A cheilitis is an inflammatory disease confined to the lips. Several origins are recognized. Their nature is often different in children and adults. Some are spongiotic due to irritation or allergic ... [more ▼]

A cheilitis is an inflammatory disease confined to the lips. Several origins are recognized. Their nature is often different in children and adults. Some are spongiotic due to irritation or allergic reaction. Other lesions are keratotic and can evolve to leucoplasia and epidermoid carcinoma. [less ▲]

Some cutaneous disorders can be treated by light under specific modalities. Balneotherapy, UVA phototherapy, PUVAtherapy, TL 01 phototherapy, extracorporeal photochemotherapy and external photodynamic therapy are representatives of this group of treatment modalities. [less ▲]

Introduction Striae distensae in White people are commonly described as being reddish at first and turning white in time. This dual perception has been challenged. Indeed, the color difference between ... [more ▼]

Introduction Striae distensae in White people are commonly described as being reddish at first and turning white in time. This dual perception has been challenged. Indeed, the color difference between striae distensae and their surrounding skin varies on a wide range in part depending upon typology. Aim To study striae nigrae that are found only in subjects of darker complexion. Materials and methods In the present study conducted in 44 darker skin adults, dermoscopy was combined to reflectance colorimetry. Results Striae nigrae exhibited hypermelanosis of the epidermal rete ridges crossing transversally the lesions in a laddering pattern. By contrast, striae albae showed only faint melanotic networks. Conclusions As striae distensae are in part under the influence of skin stretching, their colors are likely to be controlled by some mechanobiological process activating or inhibiting melanogenesis in people of darker complexion. No argument involving an inflammatory mechanism is supported by the present observations. [less ▲]

Insulin therapy is increasingly used. Hopefully, its complications are steadily decreasing in incidence since the introduction of new generations of insulin. The main cutaneous side effects were varied ... [more ▼]

Insulin therapy is increasingly used. Hopefully, its complications are steadily decreasing in incidence since the introduction of new generations of insulin. The main cutaneous side effects were varied, including lipoatrophy, lipohypertrophy, allergic reactions, infectious abcesses and some idiosyncratic reactions. [less ▲]

Topical calcineurin inhibitors, also called topical immunomodulators or downregulators, represent an innovative class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. Pimecrolimus 1% cream (Elidel) is one representative drug available for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Unlike topical steroids, this drug does not affect collagen synthesis and does not alter the dendritic cell functions and the barrier function of the skin. [less ▲]

The cumulative effect of lifelong sun exposures induces skin alterations which are coined helioderma. The manifestations of helioderma vary according to the body site. This is particularly the case for ... [more ▼]

The cumulative effect of lifelong sun exposures induces skin alterations which are coined helioderma. The manifestations of helioderma vary according to the body site. This is particularly the case for the prominent differences in the expression of solar elastosis. This condition is commonly more severe on the face and nape of the neck than on the forearms and back of the hands. The age, phototype and behaviour regarding sun exposure are cofactors responsible for the severity of solar elastosis. [less ▲]

Most of the cutaneous carcinomas and melanomas are photo-induced cancers. By contrast, some cutaneous lymphomas are inhibited by light exposure. The annual incidence of photo-induced cancers is steadily ... [more ▼]

Most of the cutaneous carcinomas and melanomas are photo-induced cancers. By contrast, some cutaneous lymphomas are inhibited by light exposure. The annual incidence of photo-induced cancers is steadily on the rise. [less ▲]

The various cell lines of the epidermis and dermis can be activated or conversely altered by actinic irradiations. Keratinocytes, melanocytes, Langerhans cells and connective tissue cells are the main ... [more ▼]

The various cell lines of the epidermis and dermis can be activated or conversely altered by actinic irradiations. Keratinocytes, melanocytes, Langerhans cells and connective tissue cells are the main targets. [less ▲]

It is acknowledged that tumour thickness, ulceration and lymph node invasion are the most important prognostic factors for cutaneous melanomas. Other histopathological features may also be informative ... [more ▼]

It is acknowledged that tumour thickness, ulceration and lymph node invasion are the most important prognostic factors for cutaneous melanomas. Other histopathological features may also be informative. The aim of this study was to ascertain whether immunohistochemical methods can improve the detection of satellite micrometastases in primary melanoma patients. In addition, the predictive value of cutaneous satellite micrometastases for sentinel lymph node involvement was evaluated. A total of 265 primary cutaneous melanomas and 68 of the respective sentinel nodes were studied using a panel of seven antibodies directed against melanocyte-related antigens. In 12.4% of the 265 cases, small satellite micrometastases were detected by immunohistochemistry. Sentinel lymph node metastases were found in 14% of the 68 cases. Invasion of the sentinel lymph node correlated with the presence of cutaneous satellite micrometastases. It is concluded that the presence of cutaneous satellite micrometastases may be an indication for the performance of sentinel lymph node biopsy, and this finding calls for a closer follow-up of these patients. [less ▲]

A number of relationships exist between diabetes mellitus and a series of cuteanous disorders. Skin lesions may reveal diabetes in a more or less specific way. They may also represent complications ... [more ▼]

A number of relationships exist between diabetes mellitus and a series of cuteanous disorders. Skin lesions may reveal diabetes in a more or less specific way. They may also represent complications supervening in an already treated diabetic patient. Some of these dermatoses (acanthosis nigricans, purpuric and pigmented capillaritis) are markers of macrovascular complications. The same disorders and some others (xerosis, Dupuytren's disease) are more frequently associated with microangiopathy in Type II diabetes. Other skin diseases (alopecia areata, vitiligo) are markers of auto-immunity in Type I diabetes. [less ▲]

'Skin pore' is a term used by lay people and in the field of cosmetology. It remains misleading when it is not clearly defined. Indeed, lay people use it with at least 3 different meanings. Basically ... [more ▼]

'Skin pore' is a term used by lay people and in the field of cosmetology. It remains misleading when it is not clearly defined. Indeed, lay people use it with at least 3 different meanings. Basically, invisible pores represent the openings of the sweat gland apparatus. By contrast, the visible pores represent enlarged empty funnel-shaped or cylindrical horny impacted openings of pilosebaceous follicles. This review describes some of the current objective methods used to describe skin pores. [less ▲]

Oral administration of lithium is used as treatment in psychiatry. The drug frequently induces cutaneous side effects corresponding to acneiform or maculo-papular eruptions, psoriasis and folliculitis ... [more ▼]

Oral administration of lithium is used as treatment in psychiatry. The drug frequently induces cutaneous side effects corresponding to acneiform or maculo-papular eruptions, psoriasis and folliculitis. Men are more frequently affected than women. These manifestations are characterized by the accumulation of neutrophils in the skin. Alopecia and classical drug reactions are also possible. Topical applications of lithium used to treat some dermatoses do not induce similar side effects, probably because dosages are much lower. [less ▲]

Skin exhales odours forming a bouquet which seems unique for each individual. The westernised socio-cultural behaviour tends to suppress them and to replace them by perfumes. The existence and the role of ... [more ▼]

Skin exhales odours forming a bouquet which seems unique for each individual. The westernised socio-cultural behaviour tends to suppress them and to replace them by perfumes. The existence and the role of human phaeromones remain unsettled. Physiological and behavioural effects can be modulated by body odours and their putative phaeromones. [less ▲]

The topical treatment of psoriasis benefits from the alternate use of dermocorticosteroids and vitamin D3 analogues. A new galenic formulation allows to combine them in a single application. Dovobet (LEO ... [more ▼]

The topical treatment of psoriasis benefits from the alternate use of dermocorticosteroids and vitamin D3 analogues. A new galenic formulation allows to combine them in a single application. Dovobet (LEO Pharma) ointment is the association of calcipotriol 50 microg/g with betamethasone dipoprionate 0.5 mg/g. This formulation boosts the therapeutic activity of calcipotriol. It also decreases the irritative inflammatory reaction due to calcipotriol without increasing the atrophogenic risk of the dermocorticoid. [less ▲]

Sensory irritation is directly bound to the concept of sensitive skin. A large proportion of the population, in particular young women, is affected. The reported symptoms are those of skin discomfort ... [more ▼]

Sensory irritation is directly bound to the concept of sensitive skin. A large proportion of the population, in particular young women, is affected. The reported symptoms are those of skin discomfort without any visible alteration of the skin. According to the subjects, the timing and the cutaneous sites, various perceptions occur, including pruritus, burning and stinging sensations. Sensory irritation is difficult to quantify because it remains subjective by essence. The condition is sometimes aggravated by some cosmetics, cleaning and cleansing products, wool contact and exposure to cold and dry climate. The responsible ingredients are often agents affecting functions of stratum corneum without being obvious chemical irritants. [less ▲]

Chemical peels induce the destruction and exfoliation of the epidermis using selected caustic substances. The specific properties of these agents result in a limited and controlled destruction of ... [more ▼]

Chemical peels induce the destruction and exfoliation of the epidermis using selected caustic substances. The specific properties of these agents result in a limited and controlled destruction of epidermal layers and of the superficial dermis. The choice of the appropriate method, the preparatory phase and the post-peeling care are very important to reach optimal results. Some types of peeling are routinely used. We briefly report those designed for the superficial and medium depth peelings. The topical application of glycolic acid at high concentration induces a superficial peel resulting in shading of small wrinkles. Trichloracetic acid used at an appropriate concentration acts more deeply and thus represents a good indication for more severe signs of ageing. These peels have been used for decades by dermatologists to improve the visible signs of skin ageing and to treat some alterations of the cutaneous relief. [less ▲]

Any journey or stay in a tropical country can lead to a variety of diseases with exotic background. One of the symptoms is represented by localized or generalized pruritus. It is associated or not ... [more ▼]

Any journey or stay in a tropical country can lead to a variety of diseases with exotic background. One of the symptoms is represented by localized or generalized pruritus. It is associated or not associated with primary cutaneous lesions. [less ▲]

Rough skin or xerosis, known by the laity as dry skin, results from a defect in the stratum corneum desquamation which normally remains imperceptible. This condition is negatively influenced by winter ... [more ▼]

Rough skin or xerosis, known by the laity as dry skin, results from a defect in the stratum corneum desquamation which normally remains imperceptible. This condition is negatively influenced by winter climatic conditions. Atopic dermatitis and trophic changes related to post-menopause, ageing, diabetes mellitus, as well as other endrocrine and metabolic disturbances are also involved in this process. Xerosis can be improved at various degrees by emollients, humectants, hydrating agents and squamolytic agents. [less ▲]

We report the case of a 70-year old man who presented the classical cutaneous signs of chronic arsenicism : palmo-plantar keratoses and lesions of Bowen's disease. Within a few months, the patient ... [more ▼]

We report the case of a 70-year old man who presented the classical cutaneous signs of chronic arsenicism : palmo-plantar keratoses and lesions of Bowen's disease. Within a few months, the patient developed multiple large superficial basal cell carcinomas on the trunk and several invasive squamous cell carcinomas. A pulmonary cancer with cerebral metastases was also identified. The complications of chronic arsenicism are nowadays rarely encountered. The cutaneous changes should be recongized because they allow to reveal the etiology of some internal lesions. Indeed, the notion of past arsenicism is often missing in the patient records. The recognition of the cutaneous warning signs allows to focus on the overall cancer risk of these patients. [less ▲]